2007-10-02 11:07:08 · 16 answers · asked by Al L 4 in Pets ➔ Cats
Two reasons. One, it may contain mercury. Two, over time it depletes a vitamin in their body.
"Fish may not be safe to feed to cats. Predatory fish at the top of the food chain, such as tuna and salmon, may contain very elevated levels of heavy metals (including mercury) as well as PCBs, pesticides, and other toxins. "
2007-10-02 11:10:44 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
I always heard tuna was just not the best for a regular diet because it doesn't have the added vitamins of actual cat food, the main one being Taurine. I know none of my cats get sick from eating it as an occasional snack, but I more often feed them meat baby food than tuna as a treat.
2007-10-02 18:59:07 · answer #2 · answered by Cindy 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A couple of main reasons come to mind, one being the amount of salt in humangrade tuna. Another issue being the amount of magnesium in all fish products. High levels of magnesium contribute to urinary tract problems in cats, predominately males.
The richness of tuna as a treat now and then is likely to cause intestinal irritation, resulting in gas, bloating and diarrhea.
Best to choose a quality canned food if kitty wants to enjoy some soft stuff now and then.
2007-10-02 23:00:42 · answer #3 · answered by Kimmie 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Generally, most vets do not recommend giving any "human food" to pets. This is for a variety of reasons, mostly due to it's high concentration of fat. Meat especially (ie chicken, pork) can give cats and dogs pancreatitis, which is a very serious condition of the internal organs and if not treated immediately (and sometimes even then), can cause death among pets. Very, very sad situation that can be easily avoided by just saying "no" to your pets even when they beg. Even canned cat food, flavored tuna type, isn't the best for pets b/c of it's high fat level (and in some cases, that kidney failure outbreak in products containing wheat germ, which is most, except Purina/FancyFeast) but is better than straight tuna and in small doses/treats.
2007-10-02 18:27:20 · answer #4 · answered by vala_nyx 2 · 1⤊ 2⤋
We have 3 cats. It's OK for a treat, but not for everyday meals, and not for a steady diet. When I open a can of tuna, I put a tiny bit of into each of 3 little bowls and divide the water from the can into each.
2007-10-02 18:13:26 · answer #5 · answered by kj 7 · 2⤊ 1⤋
Never heard that before.
Canned cat food contains tuna, of lesser grade. Nothing wrong with a better grade tuna.
As with everything, variety is the key.
2007-10-02 18:10:13 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
It's not a no-no exactly, but it's best to be fed as a treat rather than a meal (i.e just a small amount maybe once a week, and not a whole meal full). It's very fatty and oily, so can cause diarrhoea and, fed often enough, will not help kitty stay slim!
Chalice
2007-10-02 18:53:16 · answer #7 · answered by Chalice 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
My cat had a urinary tract problem and the vet told us to put just a little tuna on top of dried food. Not sure why but he kind of prescribed it. But we just put not even 1/4 of a can on top.
2007-10-02 18:11:33 · answer #8 · answered by CSSW 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Most cats are actually allergic to fish and milk (they are technically lactose intolerant) They really like it but usually pay the price with having stomach problems. So give her a different kind of treat.
2007-10-02 18:28:39 · answer #9 · answered by Lynea S 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
i just give my cat a piece of tuna everytime i open up a can but not regularly. it is just a special treat for him. i don't know why it's not good for cats but i just give it to my cat once in a while and he's fine.
2007-10-02 18:11:12 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋